shamshir on ebay

[M.carter]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

I completely agree, this appears to be an early Ottoman example that has been remounted, and clearly a 'sleeper'! As Ian notes, Artzi knows EXACTLY what he is doing, and he's one of the best!!! It is not at all unusual for such blades, often heirloom even if not marked, to be remounted. Indian purveyors often remounted older blades along with the many swords they supplied to Arabian buyers in the ongoing trade there, or this may have been as noted, remounted by an owner of a heirloom blade.

What I find distinctly interesting is the 'star of Solomon' on the chowk on one side. I recall years ago when a worn Bedouin sabre on ebay was claimed to be an ancient Jewish sword because of the six point star on the blade! As is now well known, the symbol does occur on Islamic swords, although not particularly often.

I am inclined to think that the hilt components and possibly the scabbard furniture may be original and refurbished as well. Although 'restored' in degree, the sword has integrity! I like that

All the best,
Jim

One question Jim, you say that there was a market for such blades in Arabia? Ive never seen a single saif with a short blade like this, with a deep yelmen(that doesnt mean that they're are not there ), im just asking if you have pics of any.

Most have either Persian curvy blades, or local blades with slight curves, or fully straight.

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Mike,
My error! My comments were made prior to uh, Sharon Stone and the yelman which I did not notice!! oops!
You are correct, the kilij type blades were not particularly favored by the Arabs, and I agree, I have not seen such blades on any Arab saif. I was thinking of the shamshir blades.
I'm with Ariel...maybe we are getting old...er !!
All the best,
Jim

[M.carter]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Hi Mike,
My error! My comments were made prior to uh, Sharon Stone and the yelman which I did not notice!! oops!
You are correct, the kilij type blades were not particularly favored by the Arabs, and I agree, I have not seen such blades on any Arab saif. I was thinking of the shamshir blades.
I'm with Ariel...maybe we are getting old...er !!
All the best,
Jim

thanks a bunch Jim